Trump warned China would face “big problems” if it supplies weapons to Iran, responding to reports that Beijing may deliver air defence systems including MANPADs.
US President Donald Trump has warned China of serious consequences following reports that Beijing is preparing to supply weapons to Iran, amid ongoing tensions linked to the conflict between Washington and Tehran.
Speaking to reporters before departing the White House for Miami, Trump was asked about China allegedly preparing to ship weapons to Iran.
“Well, if China does that, China is going to have big problems, okay?” he said.
According to a Reuters report citing CNN, US intelligence indicates China is preparing to deliver new air defence systems to Iran within the next few weeks.
The network, quoting three people familiar with recent intelligence assessments, said there are indications Beijing is working to route the shipments through third countries to mask their origin.
The report said Beijing is preparing to transfer shoulder-fired anti-air missile systems known as MANPADs, citing sources it did not name.
The developments come as the United States and Iran held high-level negotiations on Saturday in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, seeking ways to end their six-week-old war.
US FLAGS POTENTIAL STRAIN ON CHINA RELATIONS
Earlier, on April 10, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer indicated Washington is trying to maintain a stable relationship with China, but warned that Beijing’s involvement with Iran in a manner counter to US interests could complicate ties.
“The underlying goals of our economies are so different. But there’s a way we can have some economic stability. If China is going to be involved in Iran in a way that’s harmful to US interests, then that obviously complicates it, and that’s China’s responsibility to eliminate that,” Greer said in an interview on CNBC.
Greer also said he expects Trump to have a good meeting next month with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
“I think the thing to remember with China is, although we’re trying very hard to have stability with China, particularly in trade and economics, not every challenge with them is resolved,” he added.
LONG HISTORY OF US -IRAN HOSTILITY
The United States and Iran have been adversaries since the 1979 Islamic revolution and the hostage crisis at the US embassy in Tehran, when 52 Americans were held for 444 days.
Relations have remained strained through multiple developments, including US sanctions, disputes over Iran’s nuclear programme, and Washington’s 2018 withdrawal from the nuclear deal.
There have also been key flashpoints in recent years, including the killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in 2020 and strikes on Iranian nuclear sites in 2025.
More recently, tensions escalated further in February 2026 when coordinated US and Israeli strikes killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, triggering retaliatory missile attacks and disruption to global oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz.